Summary
This study characterises the prevalence and geographical distribution of mineral micronutrient deficiencies across Ethiopia using serum biomarkers from the Ethiopian National Micronutrient Survey. Calcium (41.6%), magnesium (29.2%) and cobalt (15.9%) deficiencies are highly prevalent, with marked regional variation—calcium, copper and molybdenum deficiency concentrated in north-western regions, cobalt in central areas, and magnesium in the north-east. Geostatistical analysis reveals spatial dependencies for calcium, magnesium and molybdenum up to 140–500 km, suggesting common underlying causes related to geography, soil type or dietary patterns amenable to targeted, place-based intervention.
UK applicability
The findings directly address dietary adequacy concerns in a low-income setting with soil and food system characteristics markedly different from the United Kingdom. However, the geostatistical methodology for identifying spatially clustered micronutrient deficiencies and the principle of targeted, geographically informed nutrition intervention may inform policy responses to micronutrient inadequacy in vulnerable UK populations.
Key measures
Serum concentrations (mg dl⁻¹ or µg l⁻¹ or µg dl⁻¹) for Ca, Mg, Co, Cu and Mo; prevalence of deficiency by micronutrient and region; spatial dependency range (km) via geostatistical modelling
Outcomes reported
The study measured serum concentrations of calcium, magnesium, cobalt, copper and molybdenum in 3,102 blood samples from the Ethiopian National Micronutrient Survey, with geostatistical modelling applied to characterise spatial variation in women of reproductive age (n=1,290). Prevalence rates and geographical distribution patterns of micronutrient deficiencies were determined, revealing region-specific concentration of deficiency risks.
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